An acoustic neuroma (AN), also known as a vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a brain tumor. If you have one do not panic. It is benign - i.e. non-cancerous - and usually very slow growing. In fact about 50% do not grow at all. If your acoustic neuroma has just been discovered, see our newbies section which explains the main symptoms and treatment options in one short page. You have 3 options: watch & wait (do nothing but monitor), have it removed surgically or stop its growth and hopefully shrink it via radiation treatment.

If you were recently diagnosed, barring exceptional circumstances the best strategy is to plan to have a second MRI in about 6 months to determine if the tumor is growing or not. In the meantime you can research your options and discuss them with doctors and other patients on our mailinglist.

If the MRI report finds that your tumor is growing you will have to choose between surgery and radiation therapy. It is not an easy choice and depends on the size and position of the tumor. Start here. We have a map of some treatment centers specialized in acoustic neuroma care, and a short list of AN experts.

If the MRI report finds that your tumor is not growing you can probably go into "conservative management" or
watch & wait mode until the next MRI, usually a year later.

No medical decision should be based solely on information provided here. See disclaimer.